HOW RUNNERS CAN AVOID CAR ACCIDENTS

For the avid runner, many hours are typically spent on the shoulder of the road, putting in mile after mile. This can create a fairly dangerous situation, as it only takes one negligent driver to cause an accident, and the prolonged — and consistent — exposure means runners are at a high risk.

There are things that runner can do to avoid accidents, though, such as wearing bright clothing during the day and donning headlamps when running in the evening or the early morning. Some runners will also wear reflective vests. Many accidents happen when drivers just don’t see runners, so being as visible as possible makes a huge difference.

It’s been said that vests increase visibility for a quarter of a mile, while headlamps increase it for a half a mile. Even at 60 miles per hour, that could buy you half a minute of visibility that would wouldn’t have otherwise.

It’s also wise to be as predictable as possible. Run where drivers expect you to be, such as on the shoulder. Face traffic when you can. Cross when there is a light and a crosswalk. Don’t suddenly change your direction, especially without checking for cars. Try to avoid anything that would obstruct a driver’s vision, like a row of parked cars.

Drivers have expectations about runners. If you do what you can to act the way they already expect, they’re more likely to see you.

However, it’s worth noting that all of the precautions in the world don’t mean an accident will never happen. It’s a risk runners face daily. If you’re hurt by a negligent driver in Pennsylvania, you need to know how to seek compensation.